Townsend Cromwell
TC-99-06 Marine Mammal Field Camp Deployment
TC-99-06 Marine Mammal Field Camp DeploymentMay 15-May 31, 1999
May 17, 1999 The ship departed Honolulu on Saturday May 15 and is en route to the northwest Hawaiian islands to set up scientific field camps on Pearl and Hermes Reef and Kure Atoll as part of our Protected Species Investigation (PSI) project. The ship will also stop at Tern Island, Laysan Island, Lisianski Island and Midway to resupply existing camps and exchange scientific personnel. The field camps exist to study bird colonies and Hawaiian Monk seal populations. Hawaiian Monk seals are an endangered species and the scientists are interested in learning more about their life history: particularly in the areas of breeding and feeding. All of the islands (with the exception of Midway) are unoccupied except for the scientific field camps. All food, water, tents and scientific equipment must be carried to the islands. The TOWNSEND CROMWELL is the primary means of transporting this gear as well as the scientists to all the field camps. Our first stop this trip was on Monday, May 17, at Necker Island to conduct a reconnaissance survey of the Monk seal population. The scientists counted 21 seals on the rocky shores around the island. Our next stop will be Tuesday, May 18 at Tern Island. Related web sites:
- Honolulu Laboratory Protected Species Investigation which includes the Marine Mammal Research Program and the Marine Turtle Research Program